Longhorn cattle: A Texas tradition
David Sager
The Signal Staff
Deep in the heart of historic League City sits the newly opened Butler Longhorn Museum.
The Butler Longhorn Museum, located at 1220 Coryell in the historical district in League City, is inside of a large, three-story house originally built by Walter Hall in the early 1900s. League City is the birthplace of the Butler bree of longhorn cattle.
Built out of a house originally owned by Walter Hall, the museum stands as a testament to the Butler breed of longhorn cattle, as well as the rich history of League City and its founders.
Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by “Classic Ace,” a large, taxidermed longhorn steer that serves as a mascot of sorts for the museum. The rest of the first floor contains a visitor’s center, gift shop, a stage for old western-style plays and movies, a snack and drink bar, and an old-fashioned jail cell.
The main exhibits are located on the second and third floors. The staircases throughout the museum are decorated with wall-sized murals painted by local artist David Flores, also known as “Skeez,” to represent the old west culture.
The exhibits are divided into sections based on their subject matter. Exhibit areas include: works by local artists, old west weaponry, and history of League City and the Butler family.
This sculpture was created by Terry Jones, a metalworking artist from Jewitt, Texas. He used firearms that were used in actual violent crimes in League City’s past that were given to him by the League City Police Department.
On the second floor a large metallic longhorn head and neck stands bathed in brilliant light.
“This bull was shaped by local artist Terry Jones, using firearms and other weapons that have been used in actual violent crimes in League City’s past,” said Bette Specion, museum president. “The police department disabled them and allowed Jones to use them in his sculpture.”
Rhonda Cyrus, former parks director for League City, came up with the initial idea for the museum after researching some of League City’s history. She hired Jennifer Wycoff as curator and director to establish the museum.
Wycoff spent the next four years collecting information and exhibits. In 2005, the staff began to assemble the exhibits and revamp the house to make it safer and more visitor friendly. The museum’s official grand opening was held Jan. 5.
To help spread the word about the museum and its benefits to the community, the staff is hosting Educators Day Feb. 24. All local faculty members are invited and need only their school ID to attend.
Pictured from left to right: Joann LaCognata, director of membership; Jane McFaddin, treasurer; Jennifer Wycoff, curator/director; and Bette Specion, president.
The museum staff hopes to provide educators with a new destination to take their students on field trips. Another goal is to entertain the educators themselves. For that purpose, all guests that day will have the opportunity to purchase signed books by Susan Kaplan-Williams, Cindy Price and Johanna Wycoff.
“We are actively seeking volunteers to help us with the museum,” said Jane McFaddin, treasurer. “At the moment, the board of directors is the only staff we have to operate the day-to-day functions. Our goal is to be open for visitors five days a week in May, versus the two days a week we are open now, and anyone in the community is invited to volunteer and help us to accomplish this goal.”
The museum is located at 1220 Coryell in the historical district of League City. Additional information about the museum and events can be found at www.butlerlonghornmuseum.com.
An unfinished exhibit by Curator/Director Jennifer Wycoff.
This video was taken at the Butler Longhorn Museum in League City, Texas. It is open for visitors and will soon be in the “Guiness Book of World Records.” It features everything from longhorn exhibits to an old-time theater.
http://www.butlerlonghornmuseum.com/
Produced by: The Signal at UHCL
Videographer: Ryan Eldred
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